Designer Robert Wun to showcase haute couture for the first time in January

Hong Kong-born designer Robert Wun is set to make his haute couture debut in January, marking a significant milestone in his meteoric rise within the fashion industry. Just five years ago, Wun was designing from his kitchen; now, he dresses international stars like Lady Gaga and Cardi B.

“

I have some days off, sometimes.

Cardi B, a vocal admirer of Wun's work, praised "everything" about his designs, citing "the creativity, the colors... It's really the quality." The rapper was an early adopter of Wun's aesthetic, which has gained international recognition for its boldness, futuristic vision, and sculptural forms. His popularity spans continents, as evidenced by his ability to dress stars from both East and West, including K-pop sensation Lisa and Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka.

“

It's something I always wanted, so that's why I seldom complain about it.

Wun's creative process is deeply influenced by the natural world and cinema, particularly horror films. This fascination often results in designs that are described as dark and claustrophobic, leading some critics to view him as a millennial interpreter of contemporary anxieties. His approach to haute couture has been unconventional; for his Paris debut in 2023, he intentionally sent models down the runway in outfits featuring apparent stains and defects, challenging traditional notions of perfection.

“

That's where my stubbornness came in, because I was getting bullied a lot. I managed to still stick with what I truly wanted to do, or how I wanted to do things, or how I want to express myself.

Despite his global success, Wun remains grounded, acknowledging the mental and physical toll of his demanding career. He attributes his resilience and dedication to his craft to early life experiences, including bullying at a conservative Hong Kong school. This early adversity, he explained, fueled his stubbornness and commitment to self-expression. After studying at the London College of Fashion, he established his base in London, where his studio produces bespoke outfits for high-profile events like red carpets, galas, and weddings.

“

everything. The creativity, the colors ... It's really the quality.